In a statement released on Tuesday, the Kremlin said that Starovoit, 53, had taken his own life and that Putin was “shocked” by his death.
Starovoit is among a number of state officials and prominent businessmen who have died in mysterious circumstances since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Putin’s foes and critics have often met with violent deaths.
“Why pay living wages if competitors use slave labor?
Why fund elections if rivals buy politicians?
Why defend norms if fascists deregulate?” Defection becomes rational until the system implodes.